In recent years, the increase of hate speech throughout Europe has contributed to electoral victories of nationalist parties and the radicalisation of far-right movements, fueling hate crimes and violence towards marginalised groups. From forcible evictions of Roma people to stigmatisation and attacks of LGBTQI+ and minority faith communities, the hate narrative gradually weakened the social cohesion between communities. Besides, it challenged democracy, equality and the rule of law across the continent.

The current political framing, shaped by hate speech and far-right proponents, led national governments to make policy choices that often restrain fundamental rights of people in Europe. As illiberal democracies seem to be on the rise, we are once again moving into a period of strengthening domestic positions through demonising minority groups, undermining the conditions for transnational, open and democratic societies to thrive.

Training series

You will be provided with theoretical and practical knowledge from experienced trainers to develop your skills and work together as peers, with the aim to gain an understanding on the political framing of far-right movements and the construction of hate discourses, develop alternative narratives grounded in human and social rights and explore community responses and mobilisation strategies to counteract hate. The first training will take place on March 14-18th, in Schloss Bröllin, 1,5 hour away from Berlin. It will be followed with a second training in Bratislava at the end of May.